"If You Want, Shoot Me" Myanmar Nun Risking Life Before Armed Police

Sister An Nu Taung kneeling in front of Myanmar police forces, pleading them not to shoot.
Photo by Charles Maung Bo, Cardinal, Twitter capture

[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Juhee] As state violence against protesters opposing the Myanmar military coup intensifies, a photo has been released showing a nun risking her life by standing in front of heavily armed police on the streets.

Cardinal Charles Maung Bo, chairman of the Myanmar Episcopal Conference and Archbishop of Yangon Archdiocese, posted several photos depicting the situation in Myanmar on his Twitter on the 28th of last month (local time).

The released photos show a nun kneeling before heavily armed police, pleading with them not to shoot, and the nun raising her hands and crying out.

Cardinal Bo wrote, "A tearful nun stepped forward before the police, begging them not to shoot at the protesters," adding, "Thanks to the nun's actions, over 100 protesters were spared from arrest."

According to 'Asia Catholic Union News,' the nun featured in the photos posted by Cardinal Bo is Sister Ann Rosa Nu Taung, belonging to St. Francis Xavier Convent in Myitkyina, the northernmost city of Kachin State, Myanmar.

The media reported that Sister Nu Taung said, "If you want, shoot me," and "The protesting crowd is unarmed and only peacefully expressing what they desire."

She also said, "I am a Catholic nun and a citizen of Myanmar, feeling the same emotions as other citizens," and "I am ready to dedicate my life for the church, the people, and this country."

Meanwhile, on the 28th of last month, indiscriminate use of force by Myanmar military and police against anti-coup protesters resulted in at least 18 deaths and over 30 injuries, marking the bloodiest incident since the coup.